Yardbarker: NFL Rumors and Gossiphttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl
Recent rumors and gossip about NFLen-us10 biggest NFL free agent busts from the last decadeNFL free agency frenzy is in full swing, and players signed new deals left and right during the first wave. Things happened so fast, it was difficult to keep track of all of the activity.Not surprisingly some players are signing some pretty hefty contracts. Contracts that at least a few of them won’t exactly live up to. There are bound to be free agency signings that inflict some buyer’s remorse later on throughout this season.This leads us to reflect upon some of the biggest NFL free agent busts over the past decade. Remember any of these guys?2008: Jerry Porter, wide receiver, Jacksonville JaguarsAfter being selected in the second round of the 2000 draft and spending eight seasons with the Oakland Raiders, the Jaguars took a chance with Porter in 2008. This was after Porter’s last season in Oakland when he played a full 16-game slate and recorded 705 yards and six touchdowns.The Jaguars signed the then 30-year-old Porter to a six-year, $30.4 million deal. That was a huge commitment considering Porter’s age.19 Mar 2018 01:07:03 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/top_10_nfl_free_agent_busts_of_the_past_decade/s1_12680_25975256
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/top_10_nfl_free_agent_busts_of_the_past_decade/s1_12680_2597525610 biggest NFL free agent busts from the last decadehttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/top_10_nfl_free_agent_busts_of_the_past_decade/s1_12680_25975256http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/d/7d0165d2a09baf59e9a050b7a76a69a071e7bf66/top_story/9781894.jpgRaiders to trade Cordarrelle Patterson to PatriotsThe Raiders will be parting ways with Cordarrelle Patterson and sending the former All-Pro kick returner to the Patriots, Vic Tafur of The Athletic tweets. Barstool Sports first reported the deal.The AFC teams are expected to exchange late-round picks in this deal, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com confirms as such, reporting (via Twitter) the Raiders will receive a fifth-rounder and send out a sixth-round choice. Oakland previously did not possess a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft.Patterson has one more year remaining on his contract, and he’ll be changing teams for the second straight offseason. The Patriots will receive a player who has two first-team All-Pro honors to his credit, those coming during the former first-round pick’s time with the Vikings.The sixth-year wideout stands to count $3.25MM against the cap this season. He worked as an auxiliary Raiders pass-catcher and gadget player during his one season in Oakland, accumulating 430 yards from scrimmage and scoring twice 19 Mar 2018 01:06:29 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_to_trade_cordarrelle_patterson_to_patriots/s1_14819_25977431
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_to_trade_cordarrelle_patterson_to_patriots/s1_14819_25977431Raiders to trade Cordarrelle Patterson to Patriotshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_to_trade_cordarrelle_patterson_to_patriots/s1_14819_25977431http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/7/1712af22f0033b56fc3c3bd0f563e1d684b1cd53/top_story/10389492.jpgHall of Famer Joe Montana advocates cannabis for pain relief, healingAs the NFL and NFLPA move toward potentially removing cannabis as a banned substance in the coming years, yet another high-profile former NFL star — four-time Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana — has come out in favor of utilizing this medicine.Montana was one of eight former NFL players interviewed by Playboy magazine on this topic.“Legalization is picking up steam on a global level and I feel like now is the time to spread information about the curing capabilities of this plant,” Montana said. “As with any medicine, increased accessibility comes with the need for education. Cannabis eased my pain. It also put me in a state of healing and relief.”Eugene Monroe was also interviewed by the magazine. As he did when he spoke with Sportsnaut about this topic, he continues to spread the message that cannabis is so much more beneficial than opiates. It’s a message that is gaining steam, especially in light of the research that shows cannabis can be extremely helpful for players dealing with concu18 Mar 2018 12:48:45 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_hall_of_famer_joe_montana_advocates_cannabis_for_pain_relief_healing/s1_12680_25975211
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_hall_of_famer_joe_montana_advocates_cannabis_for_pain_relief_healing/s1_12680_25975211Hall of Famer Joe Montana advocates cannabis for pain relief, healinghttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/nfl_hall_of_famer_joe_montana_advocates_cannabis_for_pain_relief_healing/s1_12680_25975211http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/4/74bf1ff48125c237fc2afba5f86efa44511ba2e4/top_story/10275828.jpgTen stories making headlines in NFL free agencyIt seems that NFL free agency ended before it really got going. Prior to the official start of the new league year on Wednesday, multiple high-end free agents had already agreed to sign with new teams. Meanwhile, the trade market was more active than we’ve ever seen around the league.From Kirk Cousins signing the richest contract in NFL history to Richard Sherman trading in his Seattle Seahawks colors for the red and gold of the San Francisco 49ers, a lot has already happened around the NFL.Here are the 10 stories we’ve talked about most thus far this NFL offseason.Kirk Cousins’ record deal When you hand a quarterback the first fully guaranteed multi-year contract of its kind, people are going to talk. Reactions will be both positive and negative. Hence, the Minnesota Vikings ranking fifth on the SNIPdaily Franchise Top 100 for Sunday.The deal itself pays Cousins $84 million fully guaranteed over three seasons. He can also earn millions more in incentives, including if the Pro Bowler were to earn Super Bowl M18 Mar 2018 12:22:15 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ten_stories_making_headlines_in_nfl_free_agency/s1_14810_25975031
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ten_stories_making_headlines_in_nfl_free_agency/s1_14810_25975031Ten stories making headlines in NFL free agencyhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ten_stories_making_headlines_in_nfl_free_agency/s1_14810_25975031http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/6/d6cc1edd96128e377cca617ccba3b2e6636bdb18/top_story/10417250.jpg49ers unlikely to make more major FA signingsThe 49ers still have about $33M in spending money, per GM John Lynch, but as Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle writes, the team is unlikely to use that cash to make any major free agent signings. Lynch said, “We’re not all the way done yet, perhaps. We’ll use that wisely. We got the guys that we targeted that would help us best become a better football team.”Branch has taken that statement to mean that San Francisco is going to stand pat with respect to notable free agents that are still available. As Lynch said at the scouting combine, the team is not one player away from being a true title contender, so while the addition of Richard Sherman may have suggested to some that the 49ers had hopes of a deep playoff run in 2018, San Francisco is still apparently committed to its youth movement (as Branch observes, the 49ers have just five offensive or defensive players who are 30 or older).Lynch indicated that the 49ers will spend their available cash, but will use it to lock up young players who are alre18 Mar 2018 12:10:14 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_unlikely_to_make_more_major_fa_signings/s1_14819_25974920
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_unlikely_to_make_more_major_fa_signings/s1_14819_2597492049ers unlikely to make more major FA signingshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/49ers_unlikely_to_make_more_major_fa_signings/s1_14819_25974920http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/8/080b7d366bf7ec29c7f862b6c9ee82ea186a4db5/top_story/10446154.jpgColts interested in Mike PounceyThe Colts are among the clubs with interest in free agent center Mike Pouncey, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). Pouncey hasn’t been wanting for interest since earning his release from the Dolphins earlier this week. In addition to the Colts, both the Buccaneers and Chargers are reportedly eyeing Pouncey, although Tampa Bay’s current level of intrigue is unclear given that it signed fellow interior lineman
Ryan Jensen. Los Angeles, meanwhile, is reportedly meeting with Pouncey today.If signed by the Colts, Pouncey would likely be moved to guard given the presence of former first-round pick Ryan Kelly at center. That shouldn’t be a problem for the 28-year-old Pouncey, who has earned Pro Bowl berths at both guard and center in the past.After playing in only five games in 2016, Pouncey’s play was limited by a hip injury last season. Pro Football Focus noted his lackluster performance, grading Pouncey as just the No. 27 center in the NFL. It’s possible Pouncey will require hip replac17 Mar 2018 18:31:51 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_interested_in_mike_pouncey/s1_14819_25971107
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_interested_in_mike_pouncey/s1_14819_25971107Colts interested in Mike Pounceyhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_interested_in_mike_pouncey/s1_14819_25971107http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/e/6eb2709c6db89ea78b697e4ce5d0da218f3ec17f/top_story/10245160.jpgReport: Jets talked to Browns about first pick before moving up to No. 3The New York Jets now find themselves in prime position to land a franchise quarterback following Saturday’s trade with the Indianapolis Colts. We can debate the merits of New York yielding three second-round picks in a move up from the sixth pick to No. 3 overall all we want. Heck, this one scribe thinks the price might have been too steep. That’s fine. The deal went down, and the entire landscape of the draft itself has changed.Speaking of that, a report from Manish Mehta of The NY Daily News now indicates that New York actually had discussions with the Cleveland Browns about moving all the way up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.“The deal happened fast because the Jets, who also inquired about trading up with the Browns for the No. 1 overall pick, according to sources, were prepared. The groundwork set in Mobile in January gave them a good starting point in discussions after (Kirk) Cousins was no longer an option,” Mehta reported.In reality, this might have made more sense than moving up to 17 Mar 2018 18:19:37 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_jets_talked_to_browns_about_first_pick_before_moving_up_to_no_3/s1_12680_25971026
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_jets_talked_to_browns_about_first_pick_before_moving_up_to_no_3/s1_12680_25971026Report: Jets talked to Browns about first pick before moving up to No. 3http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_jets_talked_to_browns_about_first_pick_before_moving_up_to_no_3/s1_12680_25971026http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/1/d175b3cfb91583db653b010cd961c4ef6452729a/top_story/10509048.jpgMarshawn Lynch likely to remain with the RaidersSunday marks a key indicator about Marshawn Lynch’s status with the Oakland Raiders. Based on one report, it looks like Lynch will remain with his hometown team.NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that Lynch will receive a $1 million roster bonus he was due on March 18. There were some questions about whether Lynch would figure into the Raiders’ plans under Jon Gruden, and this appears to provide the answer.Lynch turns 32 in April. While he got off to a slow start last season after taking a year off of football, Beast Mode really started to get it going in November. He rushed for 891 yards on 207 carries last season, good for a 4.3 average per carry. He scored seven touchdowns.Lynch is set to earn $6 million in total in 2018. It looks like he will be paired with Doug Martin rather than replaced by the former Bucs running back.17 Mar 2018 17:20:22 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/marshawn_lynch_likely_to_remain_with_raiders_receive_roster_bonus/s1_127_25970588
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/marshawn_lynch_likely_to_remain_with_raiders_receive_roster_bonus/s1_127_25970588Marshawn Lynch likely to remain with the Raidershttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/marshawn_lynch_likely_to_remain_with_raiders_receive_roster_bonus/s1_127_25970588http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/0/000c9a95255cc2c0be6c253566cd2ced784edce8/top_story/10471302.jpgReport: Buccaneers sign DE Vinny CurryThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly added some edge pass-rush talent to go with All-Pro Gerald McCoy along the defensive line.According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Tampa Bay has signed former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry to a three-year, $27 million contract. Curry, 29, was released by the Eagles earlier in the week after the team couldn’t find a trade partner. He’s coming off a 2017 campaign that saw him record 42 tackles and three sacks in 16 games (all starts).While the sack numbers were not terribly impressive, Curry remained one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the game last season. In fact, he racked up 47 pressures during the regular season. That’s not too bad at all. He should also help McCoy by forcing teams to focus on pressure from the edge.17 Mar 2018 17:15:19 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_buccaneers_sign_de_vinny_curry/s1_12680_25970495
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_buccaneers_sign_de_vinny_curry/s1_12680_25970495Report: Buccaneers sign DE Vinny Curryhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_buccaneers_sign_de_vinny_curry/s1_12680_25970495http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/0/60f46835d05f84738c061482459f74f11e03083f/top_story/10567899.jpgJuJu Smith-Schuster blasts Vontaze Burfict over PED defenseIn one of the least surprising pieces of news during the NFL offseason, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was suspended once again by the league. Only this time, the suspension comes after Burfict allegedly tested positive for PEDs.In reporting on the four-game suspension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter had this to say.“Burfict’s appeal will center around the fact that he was on prescribed medication for the concussion he suffered on a hit from Steelers’ wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith Schuster on Dec. 4 and that he suffered a Grade 3 shoulder AC sprain during the Detroit Lions game on Dec. 24 and was on prescribed medications for this injury as well,” Schefter noted.Well, the always talkative and social media active JuJu Smith-Schuster was not having any of this. — JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 17, 2018 In case you had forgotten, Smith-Schuster was suspended one game for an illegal hit on Burfict during a game between the Bengals and Steelers last season. Obviously, Burfict is attempting to turn that ugl17 Mar 2018 16:32:47 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_puts_vontaze_burfict_on_blast_over_ped_defense/s1_12680_25970147
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_puts_vontaze_burfict_on_blast_over_ped_defense/s1_12680_25970147JuJu Smith-Schuster blasts Vontaze Burfict over PED defensehttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/juju_smith_schuster_puts_vontaze_burfict_on_blast_over_ped_defense/s1_12680_25970147http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/5/b5c76fbbe23a2cfbde0a984c661a15da41d5e8fa/top_story/10460603.jpgJets offered Kirk Cousins $30 million per year?A report emerged Friday that the Vikings did not make the best offer for Kirk Cousins, and it was rather easy to speculate which franchise did. And some details on the Jets’ process have emerged.The Jets may well have been the runners-up for Cousins, and they are believed to have made a $30MM-per-year offer for the quarterback, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports. Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, said the Vikings’ offer was “not even close” to the best for his client. And a previous report had the Jets ready to offer a boatload for the 29-year-old passer. And it’s quite possible they could have offered a $30 million per year fully guaranteed deal. That would have qualified as a better proposal than what Cousins accepted.While the Vikings didn’t make the best offer, the one they did make comes with some historic provisions: an $84 million fully guaranteed deal, a no-trade clause and the prevention of placing the franchise tag on Cousins once the deal expires, Mehta reports.During his press conferenc17 Mar 2018 16:08:40 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_offered_kirk_cousins_30mm_per_year/s1_14819_25970018
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_offered_kirk_cousins_30mm_per_year/s1_14819_25970018Jets offered Kirk Cousins $30 million per year?http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_offered_kirk_cousins_30mm_per_year/s1_14819_25970018http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/f/afe72bf69be5cc7305882c703b617a5ea7dec5e1/top_story/10472492.jpgWinners and losers from blockbuster Colts-Jets tradeThe NFL world was thrown for a loop early Saturday morning when the Indianapolis Colts announced that they had traded the third overall pick in next month’s draft to the New York Jets. The deal nets Indianapolis the No. 6 selection and three second-round picks (two in 2018 and one in 2019).Needless to say, this was a heavy price for the Jets to pay. They’re obviously now looking to go quarterback with that third pick. In this, the entire dynamic of the 2018 NFL Draft has changed on a dime.Here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers from Saturday’s blockbuster trade.Winner: Indianapolis ColtsClearly not in the market for a quarterback with franchise signal caller Andrew Luck returning from injury, Indianapolis was in prime position to move down from the No. 3 spot. General manager Chris Ballard and Co. did just that, taking advantage of a quarterback-needy team in the process.By moving down just three spots at the top of the 2018 NFL Draft, Indianapolis picked up the 37th and 49th picks in this year’s draf17 Mar 2018 15:25:53 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/winners_and_losers_from_blockbuster_colts_jets_trade/s1_12680_25969682
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/winners_and_losers_from_blockbuster_colts_jets_trade/s1_12680_25969682Winners and losers from blockbuster Colts-Jets tradehttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/winners_and_losers_from_blockbuster_colts_jets_trade/s1_12680_25969682http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/9/e92bfa7b4c8f7ff0653fa2839cc419b81cc95259/top_story/GettyImages-832902534.jpgCowboys to release Orlando ScandrickOrlando Scandrick has been granted his request. ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports (via Twitter) that the Cowboys will release the cornerback. Earlier this week, Scandrick had requested his release from Dallas. Scandrick was scheduled to carry a $5.28M cap hit in 2018. By moving on from him, the Cowboys will save $1.4M while carrying $3.88M in dead money.The Cowboys won’t save a whole lot of money by releasing Scandrick, but his performance last year seemingly necessitated the move. In 2017, Scandrick totaled 38 tackles and graded out as one of the ten worst qualified cornerbacks in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Of course, the 31-year-old could have just had an off year, as he previously earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2014.The Cowboys nearly traded Scandrick to the Saints during the 2017 draft, but ultimately did not come to terms on a deal that would have brought safety Kenny Vaccaro to Dallas. Reports from late February indicated that the organization was looking to trade the veteran.Scandrick’s release17 Mar 2018 12:49:57 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cowboys_to_release_orlando_scandrick/s1_14819_25968503
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cowboys_to_release_orlando_scandrick/s1_14819_25968503Cowboys to release Orlando Scandrickhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cowboys_to_release_orlando_scandrick/s1_14819_25968503http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8cee708331e41575e5783e643bb9d5480c1fb754/top_story/10232340.jpgMathieu declined more money to sign with TexansHere’s a brief recap of the Tyrann Mathieu saga.
Cardinals ask Mathieu to take a pay cut, he refuses.
Cardinals release Mathieu.
Mathieu signs with Texans.
That last part comes with a catch, however. As it turns out, the Cardinals did have an offer on the table for the DB. In fact, the offer is reported to have been worth more than Houston’s. But the Honey Badger decided to decline. And that’s that, football fans. Sure it’s just $1 million less, but the man himself it’s not all about the money.“It’s not all about money for me. I want to go somewhere where I can be completely immersed in football, and it’s not too much about anything but winning. I want to be a part of winning culture, where you feel that all the time. That’s all I want.”On paper, that makes the Texans an odd choice. After all, even the Cardinals would finish with more wins than Houston last season. But that’s simplifying it far too much. Both Deshaun Watson and J.J. Watt would suffer season-ending injuries. Under the right coordinator, their 17 Mar 2018 12:13:02 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/mathieu_declined_more_money_to_sign_with_texans/s1_11773_25968227
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/mathieu_declined_more_money_to_sign_with_texans/s1_11773_25968227Mathieu declined more money to sign with Texanshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/mathieu_declined_more_money_to_sign_with_texans/s1_11773_25968227http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/6/66ef9d7876d6fdd24be58903b84daba729a25cee/top_story/10440210.jpgJets trade four draft picks to Colts, move up to no. 3Call it desperation or call it Plan B, but the New York Jets are moving up in the draft. Prior to this trade, the Colts had just seven draft picks to use on the 2018 class. Now they have nine, and it’s difficult not to love their move here. For the Jets, this has to mean they are taking a QB at No. 3. After all, they would miss out on Kirk Cousins earlier in the week. But is this too desperate of a move? Only time will tell.But despite signing both Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, it’s clear where the Jets’ priorities lie.In the meantime, what does this mean for the Giants? Plenty. They still pick at No. 2, BUT, if they don’t particularly love any QBs at that spot in the draft then there’s nothing stopping them from getting multiple picks for their top selection.Regardless, it’s easy to say the Jets got fleeced. Trading four draft picks (including three second-round selections) is A LOT just to move up three spots. But if they get their franchise quarterback at No. 3 and he develops, then nothing else matte17 Mar 2018 11:20:17 -0400http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_trade_four_draft_picks_to_colts_move_up_to_no_3/s1_11773_25967819
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_trade_four_draft_picks_to_colts_move_up_to_no_3/s1_11773_25967819Jets trade four draft picks to Colts, move up to no. 3http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jets_trade_four_draft_picks_to_colts_move_up_to_no_3/s1_11773_25967819http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/4/640443b0c9db4db2ec0c5f26c861a65e03dd1e61/top_story/10044432.jpg